Job Description

SOLAR OPERATIONS TECHNICIAN

Want an innovative challenge? Solar technology is a rapidly developing industry and here’s an opportunity to be a part of it. We are seeking strong, technical individuals for a Solar Operations Technician at our Desert Stateline Solar Facility in Nipton, CA.

The facility sits on 1,685 acres in San Bernardino County, California, and has a capacity of 300 MW. The project features around 3.2 million thin-film photovoltaic (PV) solar modules installed on fixed-tilt ground-mounted tables.

The responsibilities include operating and maintaining utility scale solar photovoltaic electric systems as well as monitoring, troubleshooting, and repairing the plant's electrical and mechanical equipment and various other duties. In addition, the successful candidates will maintain plant maintenance records in the computer-based work order system, Maximo®, and participate in the plant system owner program. The candidate will need to have the willingness to serve on any Operations Review Board (ORB) action teams when required. Shift work required, including nights. These positions will be filled at a level commensurate with experience.

Total compensation includes base salary, potential for overtime, and potential for an annual bonus.

Pursuant to California law, the reasonable wage expectation for this position is an annual base salary of $74,010 to $106,346.

In addition to medical, dental and life insurance coverage, our benefits package includes:

• Competitive pay and a matching 401 (k) plan
• A fully funded pension plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave
• An inclusive, team-oriented work environment
• No-cost health and wellness programs
• Continuous training and development, including cross-training, job rotations and online training opportunities

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education:

• HS Graduate or Equivalent
• 2-year College/Technical Degree or equivalent relevant work experience required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Electrical background is highly preferred
• Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude and a demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and repair electrical and mechanical equipment are required
• Solar Utility Scale Inverter maintenance experience preferred (i.e. Advanced Energy, TMEIC, SMA, Power Electronics)
• Strong technical background in electrical and electronic devices and equipment
• Instrumentation experience is a plus; Photovoltaic and experience with inverters or variable speed drives is desired
• Must be a self-starter with the ability to work with little to no direction as well as possess an ability to follow directions when required
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to apply principle of logical thinking and deal with situations that will be encountered
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills are required
• Must be able to learn how to independently operate a solar plant and communicate effectively with plant stakeholders
• Ability to perform physically demanding activities (i.e. climbing stairs and ladders, lifting heavy equipment) while working safely in all types of weather
• Must be able to pass pre-employment skills testing: TECH - Technician Occupations

Other Attributes:

• Ability to work independently and take initiative
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills; effective collaboration within a team
• Capability to manage complex and high-pressure situations, with adaptability to changing work conditions
• Availability for a 24/7 schedule, which may include holiday and night shifts as required

Demonstrate “Our Values”:

• Safety First - We actively care about the safety and well-being of our employees, customers and communities. Safely approaching every job, every day, always comes first.​
• Intentional Inclusion - We are One Team, working to foster a culture of belonging and ensuring our diverse team feels valued. Investing in an equitable culture benefits employees, customers, communities and shareholders. ​
• Act with Integrity - We act with honesty, respect and fairness, demonstrating trustworthiness in all we do. We are true to our word and follow through on our commitments.
• Superior Performance - We keep customers at the center of everything we do, with a focus on continuous improvement. We provide exceptional service, delivering innovative solutions that benefit our customers, communities, investors and the environment.

Practice Test

Many of our tests have practice tests available; there is one available for the TECH test.

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Practice tests: TECH - Technician Occupations

Southern Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, is a leading U.S. wholesale energy provider meeting the electricity needs of municipalities, electric cooperatives, investor-owned utilities, and other energy customers. Southern Power and its subsidiaries own 55 facilities operating or under construction in 14 states with more than 12,500 MW of generating capacity in Alabama, California, Delaware, Georgia, Kansas, Maine, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, West Virginia, and Washington.

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com

Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.